David, a Man After God’s HeartSample

A man after God’s heart

“The Lord has sought out a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over His people” (1 Samuel 13:14)

Israel’s first king was a promising man named Saul. Initially, he seemed to be a good leader. However, it soon became clear that Saul did not obey God’s commands. That made him unfit as a king of God’s people who were to “fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all [their] heart.” (1 Samuel 12:24) Therefore, God sent the prophet Samuel to tell Saul: “Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has also rejected you from being king.” (1 Samuel 15:23).

Samuel had to anoint a new king, someone completely different from Saul. It was “a man after God’s heart”. His name was David. Over the coming days, our devotionals will focus on this man. What does it mean that he was “a man after God’s heart”? How did that show in his life? And did David set the perfect example for his people and successors?

One lesson that today’s Bible verse makes clear already, is the importance of serving God. This does not only apply to political leaders, but to every single person. God’s assessment of our life and work is not primarily based on success or fame but on our attitude toward Him.

Do you want to be “a man/woman after God’s heart”? What does that mean to you?